Depression is a difficult problem that often goes undetected in the sufferer. It can have a paralyzing effect, wrapping the depressed person in a fog of darkness that prevents him or her from thinking clearly and getting help.

It seems so enormous and overwhelming that many sufferers give up without even trying to help themselves. However, writing can be very therapeutic for a depressed person, especially because it does not involve having to face people (which can be difficult). While seeking therapy, counseling, and possibly medication are important steps to take in getting help, writing definitely has a place in healing from depression.

Sea vegetables are not, botanically speaking, really vegetables. But they can be eaten as or with vegetables, they are green and leafy, and “sea vegetable” somehow sounds more palatable than “seaweed”! Sea vegetables are amazing foods. In Japan, they are a staple food that is fried, steamed, boiled, toasted, etc.

Sea vegetables are eaten by coastal-dwelling people all over the world. Practitioners of a macrobiotic diet – a Japanese-based, vegetarian diet and overall lifestyle that has been reported to alleviate cancer – incorporate large amounts of sea vegetables into their dishes, often serving them in some form for every meal.

Berries are some of the most healthful foods, and summer is the season of the berry. From strawberries to blueberries to cherries, summer brings these healthful fruits to our tables. They are more affordable in summer, being in season. Here are some of the more commonly available berries and their health benefits.

1. Strawberries

These popular fruits are the base for desserts and snacks that range from simple to decadent. Like most berries, though, their health benefits are best obtained by eating them raw.

These tasty fruits have high levels of vitamin C, antioxidants and phenols. They also contain notable amounts of manganese. Their red color indicates their high concentration of antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins. These and other nutrients, such as potassium, combine to make strawberries helpful in preventing cancer, decreasing inflammation, and protecting the heart. They are even implicated in promoting joint health. ...[Read more]...

When the weather gets warmer, do you automatically change your thermostat from heat to air conditioning? Before you make the switch, consider some easy ways you can keep your house cool this summer. You’ll save money and energy and still be comfortable.

1. Fans

Yes, electric fans do use electricity, but they use far less than central or wall unit air conditioning. There are several different types of fans you can employ to keep your house cool:

* Ceiling fans are effective at circulating air throughout a room. They can switch directions to draw hot air up or push it back down, depending on your needs. They also have variable speeds, and do not take up floor or window space. They do have to be installed, but an electrician (or handy homeowner) can hook one up to an existing overhead light fixture in minutes. ...[Read more]...

Cosmetics are intended to enhance your appearance, but there are some dangerous chemicals that may be lurking in your make-up. Here are some of the more common toxic chemicals and the cosmetics where they can be found.

1. Lead

Once thought to be an urban legend, a recent study confirmed the presence of lead in some lipsticks. However, the amount of lead present is very small – FDA regulations restrict the amount of lead in a particular red dye, for instance, to twenty parts per million. Nonetheless, the lead is present, and cumulative effects from the daily use of lipstick should not be ruled out. The health risks of lead exposure are fairly well known, and include neurological and reproductive disorders. ...[Read more]...